Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes Not Holding on a 20' Featherlight Stock Trailer

Published 09/21/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Brake Adjustment Spoon for Drum Brakes

(222)

$9.04

Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - XL LCD Display

(5)

$41.05

Question:

I have a 20ft featherlight stock trailer. All lights work but the trailer breaks do not work well they seem to not break hard. When you lock them they seem to hold for a second but they pull through. To me it seems to be with the power and I was wondering if I should get a new set of breaks for the trailer of if it was something I could fix without buying new breaks thanks in advance.

asked by: JD P

Expert Reply:

First you will want to determine exactly what is happening with your current brakes. I would start by checking the adjustment on your trailer brakes. I have linked a helpful video below that will walk you through this process if it something that you have never done before. To adjust the brakes you will want to use a Brake Adjustment Spoon # W80630, a flat head screw driver will also work but the spoon is easier to use.

If you are able to get the brakes to adjust and lock up when you adjust them then that is all you need. If none of the brakes improve you may have a defective brake controller or issues with the brake magnets.

To test your brake controller you will need a Multimeter # PT29ZR. You want to test the voltage going from the brake controller to the trailer brakes. With the controller at its maximum setting you want to test the voltage at the 7-way on your tow vehicle. This voltage will typically read between 12-13 volts. If your voltage is lower you may have a bad controller and further testing will be necessary. I have linked an article with more information on this below.

Finally to test the brake magnets this will also require the Multimeter # PT29ZR. For this we have a detailed article as there are several test with different ranges of voltage and resistance based on your size brakes.

If you find that your brakes are worn and cannot be adjusted and all the brake controller is working properly please let me know and I can help recommend the correct replacement brakes for your Featherlight Stock Trailer.